Pretrial Intervention

New Brunswick NJ Pretrial Intervention Lawyer

The pretrial intervention program, also known as PTI, is a diversionary program which is designed to allow first time offenders to avoid prosecution on an indictable crime in at the Middlesex Superior Court in New Brunswick. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in South Brunswick, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Highland Park, Monroe or elsewhere in Middlesex County and would like to apply for admission into PTI, our lawyers are skilled in achieving this objective. A lawyer on our eight member defense team is ready to assist you so that your eligibility, admission and completion of the program is secured. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is the largest criminal firm in the county, has several prosecutors on staff, including one from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and has been handling this type of work for over 100 years between our attorneys. To speak to an attorney now about pretrial intervention, contact our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126.

Are You Eligible For Pretrial Intervention?

If you are facing a third degree crime or fourth degree crime, are a first time offender, never been granted a diversion previously and are a resident of New Jersey, you are generally eligible for admission into PTI. Those charged with more serious crimes may only be considered for admission by the Middlesex County Probation Department with consent of the county prosecutor.

What Is The Process For Applying For PTI?

You must file an application for pretrial intervention with the Criminal Division Manager no later than twenty-eight (28) days following indictment. You will be interviewed by a member of the probation department to determine whether you are a good candidate for the program notwithstanding your eligibility. If they reject you, the prosecutor’s office can override that recommendation. If you are approved, you will be admitted into PTI absent an objection by the prosecutor.

How Do I Complete The Program Following Admission

PTI is typically for one (1) year although it can extend to three (3) years by law. You will be on probation for this period and be required to remain arrest and drug free (e.g. random urine test come back clean), report as directed, and pay all fines, costs and fees. If there court also orders community service, which is usually the case, a drug evaluation or counseling, you must also adhere to such conditions. Assuming these conditions are met, you will have successfully completed pretrial intervention.

Will I Have A Record If I Complete PTI?

There will be no record of conviction for the original charge if you are successful in completing PTI. The charge is dismissed with prejudice and without entry of a judgement of conviction. The original arrest will remain on your record, however, until such time as you satisfy the requirement for expungement of the arrest.

Pretrial Intervention Attorneys in New Brunswick

Since pretrial intervention only applies to criminal charges at the county courthouse in New Brunswick, this is where the program is administered. Our attorneys are adept in this process and this venue as we have appeared on countless cases there as both prosecutors and as members of a law firm with an office directly across the street. Whether you were arrested in East Brunswick, Dunellen, Milltown, Sayreville or South River, you need someone who knows the court system in New Brunswick. This is exactly what a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can provide. Call our East Brunswick Office at 732-227-1200 for a free consultation.